Eleanor Madeline Barclay

Eleanor Madeline (Obriot) Barclay, 93, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at 4:58 pm on August 29, 2026, at Wellstar Hospital in Augusta, GA.

Eleanor was born on November 26, 1932, in Apollo, Pennsylvania, to Joseph & Carolena (Psenda) Obriot. She married the love of her life, Richard E. Barclay, on August 27, 1955, in Apollo, Pennsylvania.

While Richard was attending college, Eleanor and her husband worked part-time in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Throughout her career, Eleanor worked at Westinghouse, General Electric, and Gimbel’s department store. After moving to Aiken, she worked for H&R Block until her retirement.

Eleanor’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. Each year, she hosted “Camp” at the grandparents’ house, creating wonderful memories. The kids always looked forward to the beach, hiking in Hitchcock Woods, Carowinds, and the Houndslake pool. Her home was always a place where family and friends were welcomed, and no one ever went hungry at Eleanor’s table. Proud of her Italian heritage, she carried on a cherished family tradition of making ravioli together for the Christmas holiday.

When she wasn’t spending time with her grandchildren, Eleanor enjoyed golfing, shopping, and playing cards with her many friends. She and Richard shared a love of travel and enjoyed many memorable vacations to the Far East and Europe, as well as numerous cruises with friends. Their 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated with the entire family on a cruise—a special trip that their children and grandchildren have never forgotten.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Gloria Obriot, Raymond Obriot and Donald Obriot.

Eleanor is survived by her devoted husband of 71 years, Richard E. Barclay of SC; her children, Mark S.(Joanne Harvey) of PA, Pamela S. (Nelson Johnson) of VA, Douglas S. (Shirleen Hannon) of SC; 7 grandchildren, Mitchel & Whitney(Wade) Barclay, Rebecca (Johnson) & Daniel McFarland, Matthew Barclay, Natalie (Johnson) & Blake Morgan, Lauren (Barclay) & Jordan Ray, Bridget Barclay, Stephen Johnson; 4 great grandchildren, Jane McFarland, Alice Barclay, Gordon McFarland, Torrin Barclay; a sister and brother-in-law Carol (Obriot)& Richard Williamson, sister-in-law Barbara (Baldrick) Obriot and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Eleanor’s life will be held at 11am, September 28, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church at 224 Barnwell Ave NW, Aiken, SC 29803 where Eleanor and Richard have been faithful members for 36 years. Following the service, a reception will be held in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801